Editor’s note: Please note this production is no longer a dinner show. Tickets now cost $15 and may be purchased online here, at the Upshur Visitors Center/B-U Chamber of Commerce, Salon 88 and City Hall.
BUCKHANNON – Buckle up, Buckhannon, because the Buckhannon Community Theatre is about to bring a thrilling and side-splitting murder mystery spoof to the stage with “The Single Man.”
With showtimes set for 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9; 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 (so you can be home in time to watch football), the play promises to be an event you won’t want to miss.
Penned by Don Zolidis, the spoof’s plot takes off after a death threat is found on the set of the hit television show, “The Single Man.” After discovering the ominous message, the producers strike upon a brilliant idea: Have suave mustachioed investigator Henri Poisson fill in for the terrified bachelor to root out the presumptive killer.
Poisson must navigate the affections of eight single ladies while solving the mysterious case. The result? A hilarious murder mystery spoof that will have audiences in stitches.
David Carson, actor and a BCT board member, portrays the character Earl in this show. He said the timing of the show is ideal.
“It’s perfect to see around Valentine’s Day,” Carson said. “The theme revolves around a reality TV show where young girls vie for the attention of one eligible bachelor. It’s humorous, a bit adult, but definitely a fun experience.”
This community theater production is not only a source of entertainment and mid-February fun, but also a joint fundraiser for Buckhannon’s budding Colonial Arts Center, the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce and the BCT.
BCT veteran Carol Meese — who plays Jessica, serves as the show’s costumer, and is a BCT board member — said audiences may even notice some new talent on stage.
“There are a few new faces in this show who you may not have seen in other shows,” Meese said. “We have a great mix of people and are excited that more people are coming out to audition for BCT. We’re practicing in the Colonial Arts Center, which is great, and it’s shaping up to be a fun show — we’re excited to bring it to the community.”
“We are loving getting to practice in the CAC,” Carson agreed. “When we’ve done other shows in the past, sometimes we must use alternative spaces and then come in and relearn the space, but when you become familiar with the physical space — the one you’re performing in – you begin moving with the true scenery and props, and it is really beneficial to the production of the show.”
Leah Propst, director of “The Single Man,” is bringing her expertise to the stage. “The Single Man” marks her third time directing a BCT show, and with a degree in theatre from Radford University in acting and directing, Propst’s goal is to ensure the production is a seamless blend of talent and entertainment.
As excitement builds for the show, Carson and Meese encourage everyone to grab their tickets early, emphasizing the risk of selling out.
“Get your tickets to our next production, ‘The Single Man,’ now,” they both said. “It’s no longer a dinner theatre, and prices have been reduced to normal show prices.”
“Don’t miss this opportunity to support the local arts scene, laugh until your sides hurt, and join the community for a night of theatrical brilliance,” said Meese.
Secure your tickets now online or at Salon 88, The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber and Visitors Center, City Hall or at the door.
Want to keep up on what the community theater has brewing for the 2024 season? Follow the BCT on Facebook to learn more about the cast of this upcoming show and to be first to know about future productions.
